How can I prepare for hip or knee replacement surgery?

You can usually resume driving once you are off narcotic pain medications and can safely operate a vehicle. Your reaction time after surgery is slowed for at least 2 weeks. Typically, patients will return to driving around 4-6 weeks post-surgery, you should be confident in your ability to brake in emergency situations before you resume […]

Pain management after surgery is being approached differently than it has been in the past. Your body will interpret surgery as a new trauma and will respond with swelling and inflammation. In fact, swelling and pain will worsen for about the first 7 days and then will typically decrease as you continue to recover. To […]

Most patients return to normal activities, with some patients returning to high activity levels and competitive sport. Please bear in mind that high-impact activities like running or jumping may lead to decreased lifespan of the implant. Dr. Montgomery does not apply any formal activity restrictions and you can discuss specific activities with him if you […]

Joint replacements will commonly set off metal detectors, but not always. Due to the high number of patients with hip and knee replacements, patients are no longer required to provide documentation of their hip or knee replacement. If the required, inform the security agent of your hip or knee replacement, they may have to perform […]

Yes, most patients are encouraged to start walking with assistance on the day of or the day after surgery to promote healing and restore mobility. In some rare instances this may not be the case. 

The major risks with joint replacement surgery include: infection, pain, stiffness, instability, blood vessel & nerve damage, fracture of the bones around the implants, loosening of the implants, blood clots, or complications related to anesthesia. Dr. Montgomery will discuss these risks and how to minimize them. The specific risks of each procedure are presented at […]

Modern implants are designed to last 15-20 years or longer, depending on factors like activity level, weight, and overall health. Age plays a greater role here, the younger you are at the time of surgery, the higher the chances that you will need a revision surgery in your lifetime. Data suggests about 3 out of […]

Yes, and these should be attempted before resorting to surgery. Alternative treatments include physical therapy, medications, injections, nerve blocks and lifestyle modifications including weight loss when appropriate. These options may provide relief, and many times can postpone surgery for a significant amount of time but joint replacement may be necessary for long-term pain relief and […]

Fellowship training is typically an additional year of advanced, specialized education and hands-on experience that a doctor undergoes after completing residency. In the case of hip and knee replacement, it allows surgeons to refine their skills, learn the latest techniques, and focus on complex joint surgeries. While there are certainly many examples of excellent hip […]

If you experience persistent joint pain that limits your daily activities and non-surgical treatments like medications, injections, or physical therapy have not provided relief, it may be time to consider joint replacement.

Most hip replacement patients do not need formal physical therapy. Knee replacement patients typically follow a structured at home activity plan for the first 2 weeks with physical therapy after the initial two-week wound healing period on an as needed basis.

Recovery times vary, but most patients can resume daily activities within 6 to 12 weeks. Full recovery may take several months, depending on individual progress and rehabilitation.